EP4156857A1 - Vehicle exterior part - Google Patents
Vehicle exterior part Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4156857A1 EP4156857A1 EP22192202.4A EP22192202A EP4156857A1 EP 4156857 A1 EP4156857 A1 EP 4156857A1 EP 22192202 A EP22192202 A EP 22192202A EP 4156857 A1 EP4156857 A1 EP 4156857A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- socket
- connector pin
- exterior part
- vehicle exterior
- window
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/84—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/005—Manufacturers' emblems, name plates, bonnet ornaments, mascots or the like; Mounting means therefor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/02—Details
- H05B3/06—Heater elements structurally combined with coupling elements or holders
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
- H05B3/22—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible
- H05B3/26—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base
- H05B3/267—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater non-flexible heating conductor mounted on insulating base the insulating base being an organic material, e.g. plastic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/84—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
- H05B3/86—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields the heating conductors being embedded in the transparent or reflecting material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/014—Heaters using resistive wires or cables not provided for in H05B3/54
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a vehicle exterior part.
- Vehicles e.g., automobiles are equipped with a sensor that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves (e.g., millimeter waves) used to detect an object outside of the vehicle.
- a sensor transmits electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the vehicle and receives the electromagnetic waves (reflected waves) that have struck and have been reflected by the object outside of the vehicle. By transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in this manner, the sensor detects the object outside of the vehicle.
- a vehicle exterior part is disposed on the front side of the vehicle in a direction in which electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the sensor.
- the vehicle exterior part is made of resin and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves. Examples of such a vehicle exterior part include an emblem, an ornament, and a mark.
- the vehicle exterior part makes the sensor hard to see from the outside of the vehicle.
- a heater wire may be disposed in the body of the vehicle exterior part as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2020-5057 .
- the heater wire is connectable to a power supply via a flexible printed circuit (FPC). Energizing the heater wire via the FPC causes the heater wire to generate heat, thereby melting the ice and snow that adhere to the vehicle exterior part. This limits situations in which the adhesion of ice and snow lowers the ability of electromagnetic waves to pass through the vehicle exterior part.
- FPC flexible printed circuit
- a connector pin may be used to connect the heater wire to the power supply in a simpler manner.
- a socket protruding from the body of the vehicle exterior part is formed integrally with the body. Part of the connector pin is embedded in the socket.
- the heater wire extends into the socket and is connected to the connector pin.
- the socket is configured to accept a power supply plug.
- the heater wire is connected to the power supply via the power supply plug and the connector pin. This allows the heater wire to be energized.
- the socket In the case of connecting the heater wire of the vehicle exterior part to the power supply using the connector pin, the socket, where the connector pin is disposed, needs to be formed integrally with the body of the vehicle exterior part. Since the socket needs to be formed on the body, the vehicle exterior part will have an increased weight.
- a vehicle exterior part that solves the above-described problem includes a body, a heater wire disposed in the body, a socket formed integrally with the body and protruding from the body, and a connector pin. Part of the connector pin is embedded into the socket. The heater wire extends into the socket and is joined to the connector pin.
- the socket is configured to accept a power supply plug.
- the vehicle exterior part is configured such that the heater wire is energized via the power supply plug and the connector pin.
- the socket includes a thinned portion.
- Exemplary embodiments may have different forms, and are not limited to the examples described. However, the examples described are thorough and complete, and convey the full scope of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art.
- Fig. 1 shows an emblem 1 serving as the vehicle exterior part.
- Fig. 2 shows the lower end of the emblem 1.
- a sensor 2 is disposed at a front part of the vehicle.
- the sensor 2 transmits electromagnetic waves (e.g., millimeter waves), which are used to detect an object outside of the vehicle, toward the outside of the vehicle and receives the electromagnetic waves (reflected waves) that have struck and have been reflected by the object outside of the vehicle. By transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in this manner, the sensor 2 detects the object outside of the vehicle.
- electromagnetic waves e.g., millimeter waves
- the emblem 1 includes tabs 1a.
- the emblem 1 is coupled to the front part of the vehicle by the tabs 1a.
- the emblem 1 is located on the front side in a direction in which electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the sensor 2, and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves.
- the emblem 1 is located in front of the sensor 2 so that the emblem 1 makes the sensor 2 hard to see from the outside of the vehicle.
- the emblem 1 includes a body 3, a socket 4, a connector pin 5, and a heater sheet 6.
- the body 3, socket 4, connector pin 5, and heater sheet 6 will now each be briefly described.
- the body 3 includes a base 7, a decorative layer 8, a transparent layer 9, and a frame 16.
- the base 7 is made of resin and has a plate shape.
- the base 7 permits the passage of millimeter waves.
- the base 7 is coupled to the vehicle and is formed integrally with the tabs 1a ( Fig. 1 ).
- the decorative layer 8 and the transparent layer 9 are located in this order in a direction (the right direction in Fig. 2 ) in which millimeter waves are transmitted from the sensor 2.
- Fig. 3 shows the decorative layer 8 and the transparent layer 9, as seen from the right side of Fig. 2 .
- the transparent layer 9 is made of a colorless or colored transparent resin that permits the passage of millimeter waves.
- the decorative layer 8 includes a pattern region 8a and a background region 8b, and permits the passage of millimeter waves.
- the pattern region 8a and the background region 8b are located on the emblem 1, for example, in a manner shown in Fig. 3 .
- the pattern region 8a and the background region 8b are used to improve the design of the emblem 1.
- the frame 16 ( Fig. 2 ) is made of resin.
- the frame 16 extends along the outer edge of the base 7 in an annular manner.
- the frame 16 is welded to the base 7 and the transparent layer 9.
- the base 7 and the transparent layer 9 are coupled to each other by the frame 16.
- the heater sheet 6 is located on the front surface (the right surface in Fig. 2 ) of the transparent layer 9.
- the heater sheet 6 includes a sheet body 10 and heater wires 11, 12.
- the sheet body 10 is made of transparent resin and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves.
- the heater wires 11, 12 are located on the rear surface (the left surface in Fig. 2 ) of the sheet body 10.
- the heater wires 11, 12 are made of a metal material that generates heat when energized.
- Fig. 4 shows the heater sheet 6, as seen from the right side of Fig. 2 .
- the heater wires 11, 12 are each arranged in a different wiring pattern.
- the ends of the heater wires 11, 12 concentrate at the lower end of the emblem 1.
- the heater wires 11, 12 are energized to generate heat, the heat melts the ice and snow that adhere to the emblem 1. This limits situations in which the adhesion of ice and snow lowers the ability of electromagnetic waves to pass through the emblem 1.
- the socket 4 is located at the lower end of the base 7 of the body 3, and is formed integrally with the base 7 (body 3).
- the socket 4 protrudes in a direction from the lower end of the outer edge of the base 7 toward the inside of the vehicle. That is, the socket 4 protrudes leftward in Fig. 2 .
- the socket 4 includes a distal end 4a in the protruding direction.
- the distal end 4a includes a recess 13 configured to accept a power supply plug 14.
- the power supply plug 14 is connected to a power supply 15.
- the socket 4 includes a basal end 4b.
- the frame 16 is embedded in the basal end 4b; that is, in a portion of the socket 4 closer to the base 7 than the recess 13.
- the sheet body 10 and the heater wires 11, 12 of the heater sheet 6 extend to the basal end 4b of the socket 4 and are embedded in the basal end 4b along the frame 16.
- the basal end 4b of the socket 4 includes a thinned portion 17. The thinned portion 17 extends from the bottom of the recess 13 toward the frame 16.
- the socket 4 includes a window 18.
- the window 18 is located at the basal end 4b of the socket 4.
- the window 18 opens toward the outside of the socket 4 (downward in Fig. 2 ), and is connected to the thinned portion 17.
- the heater wires 11, 12 of the heater sheet 6 extend to the window 18 through the basal end 4b of the socket 4.
- the window 18 is sealed by a water sealing portion 19.
- the water sealing portion 19 is made of resin that is softer than that of the socket 4. That is, the emblem 1 includes the water sealing portion 19 that seals the window 18.
- the connector pin 5 is located in the socket 4.
- the connector pin 5 includes a plate 5a and a terminal 5b.
- the plate 5a which is a part of the connector pin 5, is embedded in the basal end 4b of the socket 4 and separates the thinned portion 17 from the window 18.
- the plate 5a includes holes 20 that connect the thinned portion 17 to the window 18.
- the ends of the heater wires 11, 12 are joined to the plate 5a by joints 21.
- the joints 21 are located in correspondence with the window 18.
- Fig. 5 shows the connector pin 5 and its surroundings in the socket 4, as seen in the direction of arrows A-A in Fig. 2 .
- Fig. 5 shows a state where the window 18 has not been sealed by the water sealing portion 19 and the ends of the heater wires 11, 12 and the plate 5a are exposed through the window 18. In this state, the joints 21 are formed by soldering the ends of the heater wires 11, 12 to the plate 5a.
- the plate 5a of the connector pin 5 does not have to be joined to the heater wires 11, 12 through soldering. Instead, they may be joined through, for example, adhesion using an a conductive adhesive or welding.
- Fig. 6 shows the socket 4 in which the plate 5a and the heater wires 11, 12 have not been joined to each other by the joints 21, as seen from the lower side of Fig. 5 .
- the window 18 opens as shown in Fig. 6 . This allows the joining of the plate 5a and the heater wires 11, 12 to be performed through the window 18.
- the window 18 is sealed by the water sealing portion 19 as shown by the broken line in Fig. 5 .
- the joints 21 are covered by the water sealing portion 19.
- the terminal 5b of the connector pin 5 protrudes from the plate 5a into the recess 13 of the socket 4.
- the terminal 5b of the connector pin 5 is connected to the power supply plug 14. This causes the heater wires 11, 12 of the heater sheet 6 to be connected to the power supply 15 via the connector pin 5 and the power supply plug 14 and allows the heater wires 11, 12 to be energized.
- the thinned portion 17 extends from the bottom of the recess 13 of the socket 4 toward the frame 16.
- the thinned portion 17 is connected to the window 18 through the holes 20 of the connector pin 5.
- the thinned portion 17 extends so as to connect the outside of the socket 4 to the inside of the window 18; more specifically, the thinned portion 17 extends so as to connect them through the recess 13 of the socket 4 and the holes 20 of the connector pin 5.
- the thinned portion 17 is used for airtightness testing between the window 18 and the water sealing portion 19.
- the airtightness testing high-pressure fluid for inspection is supplied into the thinned portion 17 to inspect whether the airtightness between the window 18 and the water sealing portion 19 is enough.
- the inspection fluid does not leak out of the space between the window 18 and the water sealing portion 19.
- the airtightness between the window 18 and the water sealing portion 19 is not enough, the inspection fluid leaks out of the space between the window 18 and the water sealing portion 19.
- the airtightness testing is performed by supplying high-pressure fluid for inspection into the thinned portion 17.
- the thinned portion 17 is used as a hole for the airtightness testing.
- the socket 4 does not necessarily have to be located at the lower end of the body 3; more specifically, at the lower end of the base 7.
- the thinned portion 17 does not need to function as a hole into which inspection fluid for airtightness testing is supplied. In this case, the thinned portion 17 does not have to be connected to the window 18 and may be located at another position in the socket 4.
- the heater sheet 6 may include one heater wire or may include three or more heater wires.
- Millimeter waves do not have to be transmitted in a direction from the sensor 2 toward the front side of the vehicle. Instead, for example, millimeter waves may be transmitted toward the lateral sides of the vehicle or toward the rear side of the vehicle.
- the sensor 2 may transmit and receive electromagnetic waves other than millimeter waves. Examples of such electromagnetic waves include infrared rays or laser.
- the emblem 1 is employed as an example of the vehicle exterior part. Instead, another vehicle exterior part (e.g., an ornament or a mark) may be used.
- another vehicle exterior part e.g., an ornament or a mark
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Surface Heating Bodies (AREA)
- Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
- Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a vehicle exterior part.
- Vehicles (e.g., automobiles) are equipped with a sensor that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves (e.g., millimeter waves) used to detect an object outside of the vehicle. Such a sensor transmits electromagnetic waves toward the outside of the vehicle and receives the electromagnetic waves (reflected waves) that have struck and have been reflected by the object outside of the vehicle. By transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in this manner, the sensor detects the object outside of the vehicle. A vehicle exterior part is disposed on the front side of the vehicle in a direction in which electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the sensor. The vehicle exterior part is made of resin and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves. Examples of such a vehicle exterior part include an emblem, an ornament, and a mark. The vehicle exterior part makes the sensor hard to see from the outside of the vehicle.
- However, when ice and snow adhere to the vehicle exterior part, the ability of electromagnetic waves to pass through the vehicle exterior part is lowered. To solve this problem, a heater wire may be disposed in the body of the vehicle exterior part as disclosed in
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2020-5057 - Also, a connector pin may be used to connect the heater wire to the power supply in a simpler manner. In this case, a socket protruding from the body of the vehicle exterior part is formed integrally with the body. Part of the connector pin is embedded in the socket. The heater wire extends into the socket and is connected to the connector pin. The socket is configured to accept a power supply plug. The heater wire is connected to the power supply via the power supply plug and the connector pin. This allows the heater wire to be energized.
- In the case of connecting the heater wire of the vehicle exterior part to the power supply using the connector pin, the socket, where the connector pin is disposed, needs to be formed integrally with the body of the vehicle exterior part. Since the socket needs to be formed on the body, the vehicle exterior part will have an increased weight.
- This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- A vehicle exterior part that solves the above-described problem includes a body, a heater wire disposed in the body, a socket formed integrally with the body and protruding from the body, and a connector pin. Part of the connector pin is embedded into the socket. The heater wire extends into the socket and is joined to the connector pin. The socket is configured to accept a power supply plug. The vehicle exterior part is configured such that the heater wire is energized via the power supply plug and the connector pin. The socket includes a thinned portion.
- Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.
-
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Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an emblem and a sensor. -
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the body and the socket in the emblem. -
Fig. 3 is a front view showing the decorative layer and the transparent layer of the body, as seen from the right side ofFig. 2 . -
Fig. 4 is a front view showing the heater sheet, as seen from the right side ofFig. 2 . -
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector pin and its surroundings in the socket, as seen in the direction of arrows A-A inFig. 2 . -
Fig. 6 is a bottom view showing the socket in which the plate and the heater wire have not been joined to each other, as seen from the lower side ofFig. 5 . - Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.
- This description provides a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described. Modifications and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described are apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Sequences of operations are exemplary, and may be changed as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Descriptions of functions and constructions that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted.
- Exemplary embodiments may have different forms, and are not limited to the examples described. However, the examples described are thorough and complete, and convey the full scope of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art.
- In this specification, "at least one of A and B" should be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B."
- A vehicle exterior part according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to
Figs. 1 to 6 . -
Fig. 1 shows anemblem 1 serving as the vehicle exterior part.Fig. 2 shows the lower end of theemblem 1. As shown inFig. 1 , asensor 2 is disposed at a front part of the vehicle. Thesensor 2 transmits electromagnetic waves (e.g., millimeter waves), which are used to detect an object outside of the vehicle, toward the outside of the vehicle and receives the electromagnetic waves (reflected waves) that have struck and have been reflected by the object outside of the vehicle. By transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in this manner, thesensor 2 detects the object outside of the vehicle. - The
emblem 1 includes tabs 1a. Theemblem 1 is coupled to the front part of the vehicle by the tabs 1a. Theemblem 1 is located on the front side in a direction in which electromagnetic waves are transmitted from thesensor 2, and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves. Theemblem 1 is located in front of thesensor 2 so that theemblem 1 makes thesensor 2 hard to see from the outside of the vehicle. - As shown in
Fig. 2 , theemblem 1 includes abody 3, asocket 4, aconnector pin 5, and aheater sheet 6. Thebody 3,socket 4,connector pin 5, andheater sheet 6 will now each be briefly described. - The
body 3 includes abase 7, adecorative layer 8, atransparent layer 9, and aframe 16. Thebase 7 is made of resin and has a plate shape. Thebase 7 permits the passage of millimeter waves. Thebase 7 is coupled to the vehicle and is formed integrally with the tabs 1a (Fig. 1 ). On the front surface (the right surface inFig. 2 ) of thebase 7, thedecorative layer 8 and thetransparent layer 9 are located in this order in a direction (the right direction inFig. 2 ) in which millimeter waves are transmitted from thesensor 2. -
Fig. 3 shows thedecorative layer 8 and thetransparent layer 9, as seen from the right side ofFig. 2 . Thetransparent layer 9 is made of a colorless or colored transparent resin that permits the passage of millimeter waves. Thedecorative layer 8 includes apattern region 8a and abackground region 8b, and permits the passage of millimeter waves. Thepattern region 8a and thebackground region 8b are located on theemblem 1, for example, in a manner shown inFig. 3 . Thepattern region 8a and thebackground region 8b are used to improve the design of theemblem 1. - The frame 16 (
Fig. 2 ) is made of resin. Theframe 16 extends along the outer edge of thebase 7 in an annular manner. Theframe 16 is welded to thebase 7 and thetransparent layer 9. Thus, thebase 7 and thetransparent layer 9 are coupled to each other by theframe 16. - As shown in
Fig. 2 , theheater sheet 6 is located on the front surface (the right surface inFig. 2 ) of thetransparent layer 9. Theheater sheet 6 includes asheet body 10 andheater wires sheet body 10 is made of transparent resin and permits the passage of electromagnetic waves. Theheater wires Fig. 2 ) of thesheet body 10. Theheater wires -
Fig. 4 shows theheater sheet 6, as seen from the right side ofFig. 2 . As shown inFig. 4 , theheater wires heater wires emblem 1. When theheater wires emblem 1. This limits situations in which the adhesion of ice and snow lowers the ability of electromagnetic waves to pass through theemblem 1. - As shown in
Fig. 2 , thesocket 4 is located at the lower end of thebase 7 of thebody 3, and is formed integrally with the base 7 (body 3). Thesocket 4 protrudes in a direction from the lower end of the outer edge of thebase 7 toward the inside of the vehicle. That is, thesocket 4 protrudes leftward inFig. 2 . Thesocket 4 includes adistal end 4a in the protruding direction. Thedistal end 4a includes arecess 13 configured to accept apower supply plug 14. Thepower supply plug 14 is connected to apower supply 15. - The
socket 4 includes abasal end 4b. Theframe 16 is embedded in thebasal end 4b; that is, in a portion of thesocket 4 closer to thebase 7 than therecess 13. Thesheet body 10 and theheater wires heater sheet 6 extend to thebasal end 4b of thesocket 4 and are embedded in thebasal end 4b along theframe 16. Thebasal end 4b of thesocket 4 includes a thinnedportion 17. The thinnedportion 17 extends from the bottom of therecess 13 toward theframe 16. - The
socket 4 includes awindow 18. Thewindow 18 is located at thebasal end 4b of thesocket 4. Thewindow 18 opens toward the outside of the socket 4 (downward inFig. 2 ), and is connected to the thinnedportion 17. Theheater wires heater sheet 6 extend to thewindow 18 through thebasal end 4b of thesocket 4. Thewindow 18 is sealed by awater sealing portion 19. Thewater sealing portion 19 is made of resin that is softer than that of thesocket 4. That is, theemblem 1 includes thewater sealing portion 19 that seals thewindow 18. - The
connector pin 5 is located in thesocket 4. Theconnector pin 5 includes aplate 5a and a terminal 5b. Theplate 5a, which is a part of theconnector pin 5, is embedded in thebasal end 4b of thesocket 4 and separates the thinnedportion 17 from thewindow 18. Theplate 5a includesholes 20 that connect the thinnedportion 17 to thewindow 18. The ends of theheater wires plate 5a byjoints 21. Thejoints 21 are located in correspondence with thewindow 18. -
Fig. 5 shows theconnector pin 5 and its surroundings in thesocket 4, as seen in the direction of arrows A-A inFig. 2 .Fig. 5 shows a state where thewindow 18 has not been sealed by thewater sealing portion 19 and the ends of theheater wires plate 5a are exposed through thewindow 18. In this state, thejoints 21 are formed by soldering the ends of theheater wires plate 5a. Theplate 5a of theconnector pin 5 does not have to be joined to theheater wires -
Fig. 6 shows thesocket 4 in which theplate 5a and theheater wires joints 21, as seen from the lower side ofFig. 5 . In this state, thewindow 18 opens as shown inFig. 6 . This allows the joining of theplate 5a and theheater wires window 18. After theplate 5a is joined to theheater wires window 18 is sealed by thewater sealing portion 19 as shown by the broken line inFig. 5 . In this state, thejoints 21 are covered by thewater sealing portion 19. - As shown in
Fig. 2 , the terminal 5b of theconnector pin 5 protrudes from theplate 5a into therecess 13 of thesocket 4. When thepower supply plug 14 is inserted into therecess 13 of thesocket 4, the terminal 5b of theconnector pin 5 is connected to thepower supply plug 14. This causes theheater wires heater sheet 6 to be connected to thepower supply 15 via theconnector pin 5 and thepower supply plug 14 and allows theheater wires - The thinned
portion 17 of thesocket 4 will now be described in detail. - The thinned
portion 17 extends from the bottom of therecess 13 of thesocket 4 toward theframe 16. The thinnedportion 17 is connected to thewindow 18 through theholes 20 of theconnector pin 5. In other words, in a state where thepower supply plug 14 is not inserted into therecess 13, the thinnedportion 17 extends so as to connect the outside of thesocket 4 to the inside of thewindow 18; more specifically, the thinnedportion 17 extends so as to connect them through therecess 13 of thesocket 4 and theholes 20 of theconnector pin 5. Thus, the thinnedportion 17 is used for airtightness testing between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19. - In the airtightness testing, high-pressure fluid for inspection is supplied into the thinned
portion 17 to inspect whether the airtightness between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19 is enough. When the airtightness between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19 is enough, the inspection fluid does not leak out of the space between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19. When the airtightness between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19 is not enough, the inspection fluid leaks out of the space between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19. In such a manner, the airtightness testing is performed by supplying high-pressure fluid for inspection into the thinnedportion 17. The thinnedportion 17 is used as a hole for the airtightness testing. - The operational advantages of the vehicle exterior part (emblem 1) of the present embodiment will now be described.
- (1) By inserting the
power supply plug 14 into thesocket 4, theheater wires power supply 15 via thepower supply plug 14 and theconnector pin 5. This allows theheater wires heater wires power supply 15. Further, thesocket 4 includes the thinnedportion 17 and thus has a reduced weight. This limits an increase in the weight of thesocket 4 while allowing theheater wires power supply 15 using theconnector pin 5. - (2) The
socket 4 includes the thinnedportion 17 and is thus thin. Thus, in a case where thebase 7 including thesocket 4 is formed through injection-molding or the like, shrinkage (sink marks) that occurs subsequent to the molding is less likely to occur around the thinnedportion 17 of thesocket 4. - (3) The temperature of the
connector pin 5 is increased by the generation of heat resulting from energization of theconnector pin 5 and decreased by subsequent suspension of the energization. If such a cycle is repeated, the temperature changes of theconnector pin 5 deform theconnector pin 5. This may cause theplate 5a to be detached from theheater wires portion 17 formed in thesocket 4 is adjacent to theconnector pin 5, theconnector pin 5 is exposed to the thinnedportion 17. Thus, when theconnector pin 5 generates heat, the heat is readily released from theconnector pin 5 to the thinnedportion 17. This limits temperature increases in theconnector pin 5 that occur when theconnector pin 5 generates heat when energized, and lowers temperature changes in theconnector pin 5 that are caused by repeating energization and suspension of the energization. As a result, the deformation of theconnector pin 5 that results from such temperature changes is small. Accordingly, the detachment of theplate 5a from theheater wires - (4) Airtightness testing is performed by supplying high-pressure fluid for inspection into the thinned
portion 17 to check the airtightness between thewindow 18 and thewater sealing portion 19. In other words, the thinnedportion 17 is used as a hole for the airtightness testing. Thus, an additional hole having such a function does not need to be prepared. - The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be combined as long as the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each other.
- The
socket 4 does not necessarily have to be located at the lower end of thebody 3; more specifically, at the lower end of thebase 7. - The thinned
portion 17 does not need to function as a hole into which inspection fluid for airtightness testing is supplied. In this case, the thinnedportion 17 does not have to be connected to thewindow 18 and may be located at another position in thesocket 4. - The
heater sheet 6 may include one heater wire or may include three or more heater wires. - Millimeter waves do not have to be transmitted in a direction from the
sensor 2 toward the front side of the vehicle. Instead, for example, millimeter waves may be transmitted toward the lateral sides of the vehicle or toward the rear side of the vehicle. - The
sensor 2 may transmit and receive electromagnetic waves other than millimeter waves. Examples of such electromagnetic waves include infrared rays or laser. - The
emblem 1 is employed as an example of the vehicle exterior part. Instead, another vehicle exterior part (e.g., an ornament or a mark) may be used. - Various changes in form and details may be made to the examples above without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples are for the sake of description only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features in each example are to be considered as being applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if sequences are performed in a different order, and/or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined differently, and/or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. The scope of the disclosure is not defined by the detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents. All variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are included in the disclosure.
Claims (2)
- A vehicle exterior part, comprising:a body (3);a heater wire (11, 12) disposed in the body (3);a socket (4) formed integrally with the body (3) and protruding from the body (3); anda connector pin (5), part of the connector pin (5) being embedded into the socket (4), whereinthe heater wire (11, 12) extends into the socket (4) and is joined to the connector pin (5),the socket (4) is configured to accept a power supply plug (14),the vehicle exterior part is configured such that the heater wire (11, 12) is energized via the power supply plug (14) and the connector pin (5), andthe socket (4) includes a thinned portion (17).
- The vehicle exterior part according to claim 1, whereinthe connector pin (5) and the heater wire (11, 12) are joined to each other by a joint (21),the socket (4) includes a window (18) that exposes the joint (21) to an outside of the socket (4),the vehicle exterior part further comprises a water sealing portion (19) that seals the window (18) and the joint (21), andthe thinned portion (17) extends so as to connect the outside of the socket (4) to an inside of the window (18).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2021155658A JP2023046848A (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2021-09-24 | Vehicle exterior component |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4156857A1 true EP4156857A1 (en) | 2023-03-29 |
Family
ID=83081134
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22192202.4A Pending EP4156857A1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2022-08-25 | Vehicle exterior part |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230097994A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4156857A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023046848A (en) |
CN (1) | CN115848281A (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102015004204A1 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2015-08-27 | Daimler Ag | Radome, radar and vehicle with the radome and method of operation of the radome |
JP2020005057A (en) | 2018-06-26 | 2020-01-09 | Nissha株式会社 | Electromagnetic wave transmitting cover and manufacturing method thereof |
US20210071841A1 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-03-11 | Antaya Technologies Corporation | Vehicle lighting assembly with lens heating device and receptacle connector assembly for same |
-
2021
- 2021-09-24 JP JP2021155658A patent/JP2023046848A/en active Pending
-
2022
- 2022-08-25 EP EP22192202.4A patent/EP4156857A1/en active Pending
- 2022-08-30 US US17/898,603 patent/US20230097994A1/en active Pending
- 2022-09-08 CN CN202211100267.9A patent/CN115848281A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102015004204A1 (en) * | 2015-03-31 | 2015-08-27 | Daimler Ag | Radome, radar and vehicle with the radome and method of operation of the radome |
JP2020005057A (en) | 2018-06-26 | 2020-01-09 | Nissha株式会社 | Electromagnetic wave transmitting cover and manufacturing method thereof |
US20210071841A1 (en) * | 2019-09-05 | 2021-03-11 | Antaya Technologies Corporation | Vehicle lighting assembly with lens heating device and receptacle connector assembly for same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2023046848A (en) | 2023-04-05 |
US20230097994A1 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
CN115848281A (en) | 2023-03-28 |
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